Arctic Monkeys Measure Up!

Arctic Monkeys rockers Alex Turner and Jamie Cook at the Coachella Music Festival.

When a band can sell out shows before they’ve even released a single, put out the fasting selling debut album in UK history and be hailed as the one of the greatest British bands of all time before their sophomore record is even released – they better bring it when they perform live. And last night at Hammerstein Ballroom the Arctic Monkeys did just that.

There’s something great about a real down and dirty rock band that can put on a kicking show with little to no banter. Though what small talk there was I could barely understand. (But who doesn’t love a perfectly good mumbled British accent?) Rushing out on stage straight into their first song, the Arctic Monkeys reached every expectation I set out for them and more. Playing almost a 20 song set (That’s the beauty of having such short songs and so few albums, one set comprises practically their entire discography.) in less than an hour and a half, the band hit every song you could want to hear. Including one of their biggest hits “I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor,” during which a small mosh pit broke out amidst hipster cries of “don’t step on my skinny jeans!”

Arctic Monkeys (left to right) Alex Turner, Nick O'Malley, Jamie Cook and Matt Helders lookin' all cute and indie.

They brought it loud, they brought it heavy and, best of all, they brought it surprisingly clear. At times it was almost like I was listening to the record at home…just very, very loud. And with a sea of strangers crowded into my studio. But the band left without an encore, which to me is a definite no-no for any self-respecting rocker in this day and age, even if you do get shout outs from the Parliament.

Though maybe they left in such a rush because they’re so busy this year. Not content enough with merely being the boy geniuses of indie rock, the band has set themselves up with some big plans for the summer. Not only are they planning their own festival this summer (how very Bob Geld of them!) with supporting acts like Amy Winhouse, but they’re also planning on heading south for Ibiza Rocks. The third installment of the concert (this one is being heralded as the “indie invasion”) will include fellow Brits Mika and Kasabian, as well as a host of others, for what will most definitely be the foam party of the century!

The bands only got a few more dates left in the states before they head across Europe for a summer long tour, so make sure to check out their site for dates coming near you.